Check-out system, payment apparatus, input processing apparatus, and control program

ABSTRACT

According to an embodiment, a check-out system includes a plurality of the payment apparatuses in communication with each other and with a registration apparatus. A payment processor processes a payment in accordance with received payment information and a customer input. A storage unit stores received payment information when the payment apparatus is available to process payment. A transmission unit of a payment apparatus transmits received payment information to another payment apparatus of the plurality of payment apparatuses when the payment apparatus is unavailable to currently process the received payment information.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/190,743, filed on Jun. 23, 2016, which is based upon and claims thebenefit of priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2015-132823,filed on Jul. 1, 2015, the entire contents of each of which areincorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

Embodiments described herein relate generally to a check-out system thatincludes a payment apparatus and an input processing apparatus, and acontrol program causing a computer to implement functions of the paymentapparatus.

BACKGROUND

In a known check-out system for a mass retailer, an input processingapparatus for merchandise data and a payment apparatus for transactionare separated. The input processing apparatus waits for the input ofdata relating to merchandise sales. When data is input by an operator,the input processing apparatus generates payment information based onthe data, and transmits the payment information to the paymentapparatus. The payment apparatus waits for the input of payment data forthe payment information. When the payment data is input by the operator,the payment apparatus processes payment based on the payment informationand the payment data. If the check-out system includes the inputprocessing apparatus for merchandise data separate from the paymentapparatus, a salesperson can operate the input processing apparatus anda shopper can operate the payment apparatus in a semi-self-servicearrangement.

In the semi-self-service arrangement, it may take more time for theshopper to operate the payment apparatus. Thus, it is desirable tosubstantially eliminate the situation in which a subsequent shopper hasto wait for payment. For this reason, in a conventional check-out systemthe number of payment apparatuses may be larger than the number of inputprocessing apparatuses. In one arrangement, an input processingapparatus monitors the status of each payment apparatus, automaticallyselects an unoccupied payment apparatus, and transmits the paymentinformation to the selected payment apparatus. In another arrangement,the state of each payment apparatus is displayed on the display of theinput processing apparatus, a salesperson selects an unoccupied paymentapparatus, and the payment information is transmitted to the paymentapparatus selected by the salesperson.

In either arrangement, since the input processing apparatus monitors thestatus of each payment apparatus, the input processing apparatus isrequired to have an information analysis function of collecting andanalyzing the status of the payment apparatus.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a check-out system according to anembodiment.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating circuit configurations of amerchandise registration apparatus and a payment apparatus according tothe embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a schematic view illustrating a table stored in a RAM of themerchandise registration apparatus.

FIG. 4 is a schematic view illustrating a buffer items stored in RAM ofthe payment apparatus.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating an example sequence of operationsperformed by a CPU of the merchandise registration apparatus inaccordance with a control program.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating a further sequence of operationsperformed by the CPU of the merchandise registration apparatus inaccordance with the control program.

FIG. 7 is a schematic view illustrating an example of a registrationscreen displayed on a display of the merchandise registration apparatus.

FIG. 8 is a schematic view illustrating an example of a transmissionscreen displayed on the display of the merchandise registrationapparatus.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart illustrating an example sequence of operationsperformed by a CPU of the payment apparatus in accordance with a controlprogram.

FIG. 10 is a flow chart illustrating an additional sequence ofoperations performed by the CPU of the payment apparatus in accordancewith the control program.

FIG. 11 is a schematic view illustrating an example of a payment screendisplayed on the screen of the payment apparatus.

FIG. 12 is a schematic view illustrating an example of a guide screendisplayed on the screen of the merchandise registration apparatus.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

According to an embodiment, a check-out system includes a plurality ofthe payment apparatuses in communication with each other and with aregistration apparatus. A payment processor processes a payment inaccordance with payment information received from the registrationapparatus and a customer input. A storage unit stores received paymentinformation when the payment apparatus is available to process payment.A transmission unit of the payment apparatus transmits received paymentinformation to another payment apparatus of the plurality of paymentapparatuses when the payment apparatus is unavailable to currentlyprocess the received payment information.

Hereinafter, a description will be given of an embodiment of a check-outsystem in which an input processing apparatus is not required to collectthe status of each payment apparatus, with reference to the drawings.

This embodiment describes a semi-self-service check-out system which isprovided in a store such as a mass retailer. In this system, asalesperson operates a merchandise registration apparatus which is anaspect of the input processing apparatus. A shopper operates the paymentapparatus.

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a check-out system 10 according to anembodiment. The check-out system 10 includes a plurality of merchandiseregistration apparatuses 11, and payment apparatuses 12 of a numberlarger than the number of the merchandise registration apparatuses 11.The merchandise registration apparatuses 11 and the payment apparatuses12 are arranged in check-out lanes in a store.

FIG. 1 illustrates a case where two merchandise registration apparatuses11 and six payment apparatuses 12 are arranged in two check-out lanes.In FIG. 1, one merchandise registration apparatus 11 and three paymentapparatuses 12 are arranged for one check-out lane. The number ofmerchandise registration apparatuses 11 and payment apparatuses 12 whichare included in the check-out system 10 is arbitrary. The ratio betweenthe number of merchandise registration apparatuses 11 and the numberpayment apparatuses 12, which are arranged in the check-out lane, isarbitrary.

The operator of the merchandise registration apparatus 11 is asalesperson 21 who works as a checker. The operator of the paymentapparatus 12 is a shopper 22 who purchases merchandise sold at thestore. In addition, the salesperson 21 may operate the payment apparatus12 in some cases.

The merchandise registration apparatus 11 is attached to a work table 23in FIG. 1. The work table 23 has a rectangular top plate. A plurality ofwork tables 23 are arranged so as to be substantially parallel in thelongitudinal directions of the top plates to form pas sages (checkoutlanes) for shoppers 22.

The merchandise registration apparatus 11 performs the followingfunctions: registration process of purchase merchandise, generation ofpayment information, and transmission of the payment information to thepayment apparatus 12. In the registration process, the shopper 22 orsalesperson 21 registers merchandise that the shopper has selected aspurchase merchandise. The payment process is a process of paying for themerchandise. The payment information is information required in thepayment process.

The payment apparatus 12 performs the payment process based on thepayment information, according to the payment information received fromthe merchandise registration apparatus 11.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the respective circuitconfigurations of the merchandise registration apparatus 11 and thepayment apparatus 12. The merchandise registration apparatus 11 and thepayment apparatus 12 are connected to each other through a network 13such as a local area network (LAN). Other networks such as the Internetor a wireless LAN can be used for the network 13, instead of the LAN.Alternatively, the merchandise registration apparatus 11 and the paymentapparatus 12 may exchange information through a server or via a directconnection (wired or wireless).

The merchandise registration apparatus 11 includes a central processingunit (CPU) 11 a, a read only memory (ROM) 11 b, a random access memory(RAM) 11 c, an auxiliary storage unit 11 d, a drawer open unit 11 e, ascanner 11 f, a touch panel 11 g, a printer 11 h, a card reader andwriter 11 i, a communication unit 11 j, and a transmission system 11 k.

The CPU 11 a, the ROM 11 b, the RAM 11 c and the auxiliary storage unit11 d are connected by the transmission system 11 k, and may be providedas a computer.

The CPU 11 a corresponds to the central processor of the computer. TheCPU 11 a controls respective units so as to achieve various functions ofthe merchandise registration apparatus 11, based on the operatingsystem, the middleware, and the application programs, which are storedin the ROM 11 b and the RAM 11 c.

The ROM 11 b corresponds to the main memory storage portion of thecomputer. The ROM 11 b stores the operating system. The ROM 11 b maystore the middleware and application programs in some cases. Further,the ROM 11 b may also store data that is referred to when the CPU 11 aperforms various processes.

The RAM 11 c corresponds to the main working memory portion of thecomputer. The RAM 11 c stores data that is referred to when the CPU 11 aperforms various processes. Further, the RAM 11 c is utilized as aso-called work area for storing data that is temporarily used when theCPU 11 a performs various processes.

The auxiliary storage unit 11 d corresponds to the auxiliary memoryportion of the computer. The auxiliary storage unit 11 d stores datathat is used when the CPU 11 a performs various processes, or data thatis generated through the process performed by the CPU 11 a. As theauxiliary storage unit 11 d, for example, an electric erasableprogrammable read only memory (EEPROM), a hard disk drive (HDD), a solidstate drive (SSD), or the like may be used.

The application program stored in the ROM 11 b or the auxiliary storageunit 11 d includes a control program for controlling a control processto be described later. Transport and installation of the merchandiseregistration apparatus 11 is generally performed in the state where thecontrol program is stored in the ROM 11 b or the auxiliary storage unit11 d. However, the transport and installation of the merchandiseregistration apparatus 11 may be performed in the state where thecontrol program is not stored in the ROM 11 b or the auxiliary storageunit 11 d in some cases. In this case, the control program istransferred to the merchandise registration apparatus 11 by being readfrom a removable recording medium such as a magnetic disk, amagneto-optical disk, an optical disk, and a semiconductor memory.Alternatively, the control program may be transferred through a network,and then written into the auxiliary storage unit 11 d of the merchandiseregistration apparatus 11.

The drawer open unit 11 e automatically opens a drawer that accommodatesmoney.

The scanner 11 f reads the information on the merchandise, and obtainsthe merchandise code of the merchandise. As the scanner 11 f, well-knownvarious scanners can be used. The scanner 11 f may be only one of thevarious scanners, or may include a plurality of types. The scanner 11 fmay be a two-dimensional code scanner of a fixed type or a movable type.Alternatively, the scanner 11 f may be a type that identifies themerchandise from the image of merchandise by using an image recognitiontechnique.

The touch panel 11 g includes a display device and a touch sensor. Thedisplay device may display a certain screen such as a GUI screen. As thedisplay device, for example, a known device such as a color LCD may beused. The touch sensor is arranged to overlap the display surface of thedisplay device. The touch sensor detects the operator's touch positionon the display surface of the display device, and sends the positioninformation to the CPU 11 a. As the touch sensor, a known device can beused.

The printer 11 h issues a receipt by printing various characters and/orimages on the receipt paper. For the printer 11 h, for example, athermal printer, a dot impact printer, or the like may be used.

The card reader and writer 11 i reads data recorded on the card andwrites data onto the card. The card may include a membership cardreferred to as a members card or a point card, in addition to paymentcards such as a credit card, a debit card, an electronic money card, anda prepaid card. The membership card has recorded information foridentifying a member who owns at least the card. The card reader andwriter 11 i may be any one of devices of magnetic, contact, andcontactless types, and may include a plurality of types of devices.

The communication unit 11 j performs data communication with a pluralityof payment apparatuses 12 which are connected through the network 13.The communication unit 11 j can also perform data communication withother merchandise registration apparatuses 11 through the network 13.

The transmission system 11 k transmits data items which are exchangedbetween the CPU 11 a, the ROM 11 b, the RAM 11 c, the auxiliary storageunit 11 d, the drawer open unit 11 e, the scanner 11 f, the touch panel11 g, the printer 11 h, the card reader and writer 11 i, and thecommunication unit 11 j. As the transmission system 11 k, a well-knowntransmission system including various buses such as a system bus andvarious interface circuits connecting the buses and respective units maybe used.

As hardware of such merchandise registration apparatus 11, for example,a POS terminal which has an existing face-to-face sales type may beused.

The payment apparatus 12 includes a CPU 12 a, a ROM 12 b, a RAM 12 c, anauxiliary storage unit 12 d, an automatic change machine 12 e, a scanner12 f, a touch panel 12 g, a printer 12 h, a card reader and writer 12 i,a communication unit 12 j, and a transmission system 12 k.

The CPU 12 a, the ROM 12 b, the RAM 12 c and the auxiliary storage unit12 d are connected by the transmission system 12 k and may be providedas a computer.

The CPU 12 a corresponds to the central processor of the computer. TheCPU 12 a controls respective units so as to perform various operationsof the payment apparatus 12, based on the operating system, themiddleware, and the application programs, which are stored in the ROM 12b and the RAM 12 c.

The ROM 12 b corresponds to the main memory storing portion of thecomputer. The ROM 12 b stores the operating system. The ROM 12 b maystore the middleware and application programs in some cases. Further,the ROM 12 b may also store data that is referred to when the CPU 12 aperforms various processes.

The RAM 12 c corresponds to the main working memory portion of thecomputer. The RAM 12 c stores data that is referred to when the CPU 12 aperforms various processes. Further, the RAM 12 c is utilized as aso-called work area for storing data that is temporarily used when theCPU 12 a performs various processes.

The auxiliary storage unit 12 d corresponds to the auxiliary memoryportion of the computer. The auxiliary storage unit 12 d stores dataused when the CPU 12 a performs various processes, or data generated inthe process performed by the CPU 12 a. As the auxiliary storage unit 12d, for example, an EEPROM, a HDD, an SSD, or the like may be used.

The application program stored in the ROM 12 b or the auxiliary storageunit 12 d includes a control program for controlling a control processto be described later. The transport and installation of the paymentapparatus 12 is generally performed in the state where the controlprogram is stored in the ROM 12 b or the auxiliary storage unit 12 d.However, the transport and installation of the payment apparatus 12 maybe performed in the state where the control program is not stored in theROM 12 b or the auxiliary storage unit 12 d in some cases. In this case,the control program is transferred to the payment apparatus 12 by beingread from a removable recording medium such as a magnetic disk, amagneto-optical disk, an optical disk, and a semiconductor memory.Alternatively, the control program may be transferred through a networkand then written into the auxiliary storage unit 12 d of the paymentapparatus 12.

The automatic change machine 12 e receives and holds coins and billsthat are input. Further, the automatic change machine 12 e dischargescoins and bills as change.

The scanner 12 f reads the information on the merchandise, and obtainsthe merchandise code of the merchandise. As the scanner 12 f, well-knownvarious scanners may be used. The scanner 12 f may correspond to onlyone of the various scanners, or may correspond to a plurality of types.The scanner 12 f may be a two-dimensional code scanner of a fixed typeor a movable type. Alternatively, the scanner 12 f may be a type thatidentifies the merchandise from the image of merchandise, by using animage recognition technique.

The touch panel 12 g includes a display device and a touch sensor. Inthe display device, the display screen may display a certain screen suchas a GUI screen. As the display device, for example, a known device suchas a color LCD may be used. The touch sensor is arranged to overlap thedisplay surface of the display device. The touch sensor detects theoperator's touch position on the display surface of the display device,and sends the position information to the CPU 12 a. As the touch sensor,a known device may be used.

The printer 12 h issues a receipt by printing various characters and/orimages on the receipt paper. As this type of printer, for example, athermal printer, a dot impact printer, or the like may be used.

The card reader and writer 12 i reads data recorded on the card andwrites data onto the card. The card may include a membership cardreferred to as a members card or a point card, in addition to paymentcards such as a credit card, a debit card, an electronic money card, anda prepaid card. The membership card has recorded information foridentifying a member who owns the card. The card reader and writer 12 imay be any one of devices of magnetic, contact, and contactless types,and may include a plurality of types of devices.

The communication unit 12 j performs data communication with a pluralityof merchandise registration apparatuses 11 which are connected throughthe network 13. The communication unit 12 j can also perform datacommunication with other payment apparatuses 12 through the network 13.

The transmission system 12 k transmits data pieces which are exchangedbetween the CPU 12 a, the ROM 12 b, the RAM 12 c, the auxiliary storageunit 12 d, the automatic change machine 12 e, the scanner 12 f, thetouch panel 12 g, the printer 12 h, the card reader and writer 12 i, andthe communication unit 12 j. As the transmission system 12 k, awell-known transmission system including various buses such as a systembus and various interface circuits connecting the buses and respectiveunits may be used.

As hardware of such payment apparatus 12, for example, a POS terminalwhich has an existing self-service arrangement can be used.

FIG. 3 is a schematic view illustrating a table 31 stored in the RAM 11c of the merchandise registration apparatus 11. As illustrated in FIG.3, the table 31 stores a plurality of records each including amerchandise code, a merchandise name, a unit price, the quantity number,and the amount of money required for purchase. The merchandise code is aunique code for identifying each piece of merchandise individually. Forexample, a merchandise code which is represented by the bar code isassigned to each piece of merchandise. The merchandise name and the unitprice are respectively the name and the price per a piece of themerchandise that is specified by the merchandise code on the samerecord. The quantity number and the amount of money are sales data ofthe merchandise that is specified by the merchandise code on the samerecord, in other words, the sales quantity and the amount of money forthe quantity of the particular merchandise.

The check-out system 10 is connected to a database server through thenetwork 13. The database server includes a merchandise database forsetting merchandise information such as the merchandise name and theunit price, in association with the merchandise code of each piece ofmerchandise. In the merchandise registration apparatus 11, when themerchandise code is acquired, the CPU 11 a sends the merchandise codeand a request for the merchandise information to the database serverwith the merchandise code. The database server, which receives therequest, accesses the merchandise database, reads the merchandiseinformation which is associated with in the merchandise code from themerchandise database, and transmits the merchandise information to themerchandise registration apparatus 11 through the network 13. The CPU 11a of the merchandise registration apparatus 11 stores the merchandiseinformation received from the database server in the table 31. In thefollowing, the table 31 is referred to as the registration merchandisetable 31.

The memory area 32 is an area for storing the total quantity number andthe total amount of money. The total number is the sum of the quantitynumbers indicated in the respective records stored in the registrationmerchandise table 31. The total amount of money is the sum of theamounts of money indicated in the respective records stored in theregistration merchandise table 31. Hereinafter, the memory area 32 isreferred to as a total table 32.

A memory area 33 stores a transmission destination ID for specifying thepayment apparatus 12 which is the transmission destination of thepayment information. The merchandise registration apparatus 11 transmitsthe payment information which is generated based on the registrationprocess of purchase merchandise, to the payment apparatus 12 through thenetwork 13. In this case, the merchandise registration apparatus 11transmits the payment information, to one predetermined paymentapparatus 12 through the network 13. Specifically, the merchandiseregistration apparatus 11 transmits payment information to one paymentapparatus 12 which is determined from a plurality of (three in FIG. 1)payment apparatuses 12 which are arranged in the same check-out lane. Inother words, the ID for specifying the one determined payment apparatus12 is stored in the memory area 33, as a transmission destination ID.

FIG. 4 is a schematic view illustrating buffer items stored in the RAM12 c of the payment apparatus 12. In FIG. 4, a memory area 41temporarily stores the payment information which is received from themerchandise registration apparatus 11. Hereinafter, the memory area 41is referred to as a payment buffer 41.

The memory area 42 includes a busy flag F. The busy flag F isinformation for identifying whether or not the payment process is beingperformed based on the payment information. In the present embodiment,the busy flag F is reset as “0” when the payment process is not beingperformed, and the busy flag F is set as “1” when the payment process isbeing performed.

The memory area 43 stores the transfer destination ID for specifyinganother payment apparatus 12 which is the transfer destination ofpayment information. When the payment apparatus 12 executes the paymentprocess, based on the payment information stored in the payment buffer41, even when another piece of payment information is received, thepayment apparatus 12 cannot performs the payment process. In this case,the payment apparatus 12 transfers the payment information that isreceived during the payment process, to another payment apparatus 12through the network 13. Specifically, the payment apparatus 12 transfersthe payment information to another single payment apparatus 12 that isset in advance, among a plurality of (three in FIG. 1) paymentapparatuses 12 which are arranged in the same check-out lane. In otherwords, an ID for identifying another single payment apparatus 12 that isset is stored in the memory area 43, as the transfer destination ID.

In addition, the transfer destination ID is not stored in the memoryarea 43 of the payment apparatus 12 at which the payment information waslast transferred, among the plurality of payment apparatuses 12 whichare arranged in the same check-out lane. Alternatively, informationindicating that the transfer destination ID is not set may be stored. Inaddition, the communication address of the merchandise registrationapparatus 11 which is arranged in the same check-out lane may be storedin an area other than the memory area 43.

FIGS. 5 and 6 are flow charts illustrating an example sequence ofoperations performed by the CPU 11 a of the merchandise registrationapparatus 11 in accordance with a control program. FIGS. 7, 8 and 12 areschematic views illustrating examples of various screens displayed onthe touch panel 11 g of the merchandise registration apparatus 11. FIG.9 is a flowchart illustrating an example sequence of operationsperformed by the CPU 12 a of the payment apparatus 12 in accordance witha control program. FIG. 10 is a flow chart illustrating an examplesequence of operations performed in a reception interrupt process thatthe CPU 12 a executes in accordance with the same control program. FIG.11 is a schematic view illustrating an example of a payment screendisplayed on the touch panel 12 g of the payment apparatus 12.Hereinafter, the operation of the check-out system 10 will be describedwith reference to the drawings. Incidentally, the content of theprocessing to be described below is an example, and it is possible toappropriately utilize various processes capable of achieving the sameresult.

First, a description will be given regarding the operation of themerchandise registration apparatus 11.

When the merchandise registration apparatus 11 is activated in the modeof performing the registration process of merchandise selected by ashopper 22, the CPU 11 a starts the control process of the procedureillustrated in FIG. 5. First, the CPU 11 a clears the registrationmerchandise table 31 and the total table 32 (Act 1). Next, the CPU 11 adisplays a registration screen SC1 on a portion of the screen of thetouch panel 11 g (see FIG. 7) (Act 2).

The registration screen SC1 represents the contents of a registrationmerchandise table 31 a and a total table 32 a, and allows thesalesperson 21 to check the status of the registration process. Anexample of the registration screen SC1 is illustrated in FIG. 7. Theregistration screen SC1 includes display areas R1 and R2. The displayarea R1 represents the merchandise name, the number, and the unit priceof the most recently registered merchandise, as well as the total numberand the total amount of money of all of the merchandise currentlyregistered. The display area R2 displays the list of merchandise names,the numbers, the unit prices, and the amounts of money of themerchandise that has been registered prior to the merchandise displayedon the registration screen SC1.

In addition, the CPU 11 a causes the touch panel 11 g to display variousfunction buttons such as a merchandise button by which the salesperson21 designates the merchandise, or a subtotal button.

When the registration screen SC1 is displayed, the salesperson 21sequentially inputs the merchandise codes of the merchandise that theshopper 22 purchases, by operating, for example, the scanner 11 f andthe merchandise button. Then, when the input of the merchandise codes ofall of purchase merchandise is completed, the salesperson 21 touches thesubtotal button.

The CPU 11 a which displays the registration screen SC1 waits for theacquisition of the merchandise code of the merchandise to be purchased(Act 3). When the merchandise code, which is input through the scanner11 f or the merchandise button, is acquired (YES at Act 3), the CPU 11 aacquires the merchandise information such as the merchandise name andthe unit price, which is set in the merchandise database in associationwith the merchandise code. The CPU 11 a multiplies the sales number bythe unit price, and calculates the sales amount of money. The CPU 11 aregisters merchandise sales data containing the merchandise code, themerchandise name, the unit price, the number of sales, and sales amountof money as a single record, in the registration merchandise table 31 a(Act 4). Further, the CPU 11 a adds the sales number and the salesamount of money in the total table 32 a. The CPU 11 a updates theregistration screen SC1 to correspond to the contents of theregistration merchandise table 31 a and the total table 32 a (Act 5).

After updating the registration screen SC1, the CPU 11 a checks whetheror not an additional merchandise code of merchandise to be purchased isacquired (Act 6). When the merchandise code is not acquired (NO at ACT6), the CPU 11 a checks whether or not the subtotal button is touched(Act 7). When the subtotal button is not touched (NO at Act 7), the CPU11 a checks again whether or not the merchandise code is acquired (Act6). Therefore, the CPU 11 a waits for either the acquisition of anadditional merchandise code or the touch of the subtotal button, as Act6 and Act 7. In addition, the CPU 11 a may check the occurrence of otherevents such as execution of other operations, in the standby stateherein, and then proceed to the process according to the occurred event.

In the standby state of Act 6 and Act 7, when the merchandise code isacquired (YES at Act 6), the CPU 11 a returns to the process of Act 4.The CPU 11 a repeats the following processing in the same manner asdescribed above.

In the standby state of Act 6 and Act 7, when the subtotal button istouched (YES at Act 7), the CPU 11 a generates payment information basedon the contents of the registration merchandise table 31 a and the totaltable 32 a at this point of time (Act 8) In Act 8, the CPU 11 afunctions as a generation unit. The CPU 11 a displays a send screen SC2in a portion of the screen of the touch panel 11 g (see FIG. 8) (Act 9).

An example of the send screen SC2 is illustrated in FIG. 8. The sendscreen SC2 includes display areas R3 and R4, and buttons B1, B2, B3, andB4. The display area R3 displays the total quantity number and the totalamount of money of the total table 32 a. The display area R4 displaysvarious messages. The buttons B1 and B2 allow the salesperson 21 to givea discount on the total amount of money. The button B3 allows thesalesperson 21 to return a to the registration screen SC1. The button B4allows the salesperson 21 to transmit the payment information to thepayment apparatus 12. In the following description, the button B3 isreferred to as return button B3, and the button B4 is referred to assend button B4.

When the send screen SC2 is displayed, the CPU 11 a checks whether ornot the return button B3 is operated (Act 10). In a case where thereturn button B3 is not operated (NO at ACT 10), the CPU 11 a checkswhether or not the send button B4 is operated (Act 11). In a case wherethe send button B4 is not operated (NO at Act 11), the CPU 11 a againchecks whether or not the return button B3 is operated (Act 10).Therefore, the CPU 11 a waits for the operation of the return button B3or the send button B4, as Act 10 and Act 11. In addition, the CPU 11 amay check the occurrence of other events such as execution of otheroperations, and proceed to execute the process according to the occurredevent. For example, when the salesperson 21 touches any of the buttonsB1 and B2, the CPU 11 a changes the total amount of money which isincluded in the payment information, in response to the subsequentinstruction by the salesperson 21.

In the standby state of Act 10 and Act 11, when the return button B3 isoperated (YES at Act 10), the CPU 11 a returns part area of the screenof the touch panel 11 g to the registration screen SC1 (Act 12).Thereafter, the CPU 11 a proceeds to the process of Act 6, and repeatsthe following processing in the same manner as described above.

When the send button B4 is operated (YES at Act 11) in the standby stateof Act 10 and Act 11, the CPU 11 a proceeds to the process of Act 13 inFIG. 6. In other words, the CPU 11 a acquires a transmission destinationID that is set in the memory area 33 (Act 13). Then, the CPU 11 atransmits the payment information that is generated in the process ofAct 8, to a single payment apparatus 12 that is identified by thetransmission destination ID (Act 14). In Act 14, the CPU 11 a controlsthe communication unit 11 j to function as a transmission unit.

Specifically, the CPU 11 a controls the communication unit 11 j so as totransmit the payment information via the network 13. The communicationaddress for a single payment apparatus 12 that is identified by thetransmission destination ID is set as a transmission destinationaddress. By using the communication address that is set in themerchandise registration apparatus as the destination address, thepayment information is transmitted to a single payment apparatus 12 thatis identified by the transmission destination ID, through the network13. In this manner, the transmission destination ID is associated withthe communication address that is set in the payment apparatus 12.Alternatively, the transmission destination ID may be the communicationaddress that is set in the payment apparatus 12.

The payment information that is transmitted through the network 13 isreceived by the payment apparatus 12 which has a communication addressthat matches the transmission destination address. Since the paymentapparatus 12 that receives the payment information stores the sourceaddress of the payment information, it is possible to specify themerchandise registration apparatus 11 that is the transmission source ofthe payment information.

After the payment information is transmitted, the CPU 11 a waits for aresponse signal from the payment apparatus 12 (Act 15). As will bedescribed later, the payment apparatus that receives the paymentinformation may return an acknowledgment signal to the merchandiseregistration apparatus 11, or return an error response signal. When theresponse signal is received through the communication unit 11 j (YES atAct 15), the CPU 11 a identifies whether the response signal isacknowledgment or an error response is received (Act 16). In the case ofacknowledgment (YES at Act 16), the CPU 11 a displays the guide screenSC4 (see FIG. 12) in part area of the screen of the touch panel 11 g(Act 17).

The guide screen SC4 allows the salesperson 21 to check the paymentapparatus 12 which is the transmission destination of the paymentinformation. An example of the guide screen SC4 is illustrated in FIG.12. The guide screen SC4 includes a display area R5 and a button B5. Thetotal number and the total amount of money in the total table 32 a, anda message are displayed in the display area R5. For example, the messageallows the salesperson 21 to which payment apparatus 12 is thetransmission destination of the payment information, based on a messagesuch as “Please perform payment with a payment apparatus B”. The contentof the message is not particularly limited. For example, the content maybe “Payment is performed with the payment apparatus B”, simply “Paymentapparatus B”, or only “B”. The button B5 allows the salesperson 21 toclose of the guide screen SC4. When the button B5 is operated, the CPU11 a closes the guide screen SC4, and completes the informationprocessing for one transaction. Thereafter, the CPU 11 resumes theprocess from Act 1.

When the response signal is the error response instead of theacknowledgment (NO at Act 16), the CPU 11 a performs a non-transmissionprocess (Act 18). The non-transmission process is, for example, aprocess for informing the salesperson 21 that the payment informationtransmitted through the process of Act 14 is not stored in any paymentapparatuses 12 provided in the same check-out lane. Further, thenon-transmission process includes, for example, notifying thesalesperson 21 that the payment process for the payment information isperformed in the merchandise registration apparatus 11, and executingthe payment process. In addition, the non-transmission process is notlimited to executing the payment process in the merchandise registrationapparatus 11. For example, a payment apparatus to be shared withrespective check-out lanes may be provided in the service counter of thestore, and the payment information for which the error response wastransmitted may be transmitted to the shared payment apparatus throughthe network 13.

When the non-transmission process is completed, the CPU 11 a completesthe information processing for one transaction. Thereafter, the CPU 11resumes the process from Act 1.

When the acknowledgment signal is received from the payment apparatus12, the salesperson 21 who confirms the guide screen SC4 displayed onthe touch panel 11 g notifies the shopper 22 that payment is to beperformed with the payment apparatus 12 identified in the guide screenSC4. The shopper 22 who receives the notification moves to the paymentapparatus 12, and performs an operation for payment.

Next, the operation of the payment apparatus 12 will be described.

When the payment apparatus 12 is started, the CPU 12 a starts thecontrol process of the procedure illustrated in the flowchart in FIG. 9.First, the CPU 12 a initializes the busy flag F of the memory area 42 to“0” (Act 21). Further, the CPU 12 a sets the screen on the touch panel12 g as a standby screen (Act 22). The standby screen represents asituation where the payment process is not being performed, and theinformation represented on the standby screen may be optional. Forexample, it is assumed that the standby screen represents a messageindicating that it is not ready to perform the payment process, ordisplays any image representing advertisement or the like as a screensaver.

The processing procedures of Act 21 and Act 22 are not limited to theprocedure indicated in FIG. 9. For example, the process of Act 22 mayfirst be performed, and the process of Act 21 may later be performed.

The CPU 12 a may also execute the reception interrupt processillustrated in FIG. 10 in parallel with the control process. Uponreceipt of information in which the communication address that is set inthe communication unit 12 j is the transmission destination address, thereception interrupt process is started.

When the reception interrupt process is started, the CPU 12 a firstidentifies whether or not the received information is the paymentinformation (Act 31). The received information includes a type codeindicating the type of information. The CPU 12 a identifies whether ornot the received information is the payment information, based on thetype code. When the received information is information other than thepayment information (NO at Act 31), the CPU 12 a executes theinformation processing according to the type of the receivedinformation.

When the received information is the payment information (YES at Act31), the CPU 12 a checks the busy flag F (Act 32). Here, when the busyflag F is set as “0” (NO at Act 32), that is, when the payment apparatus12 does not execute the payment process, the CPU 12 a notifies thecontrol process of the receipt of the payment information (Act 33).

In contrast, when the busy flag F is set as “1” (YES at Act 32), thatis, when the payment apparatus 12 executes the payment process, the CPU12 a checks whether or not the transfer destination ID is stored in thememory area 43 (Act 34). When the transfer destination ID is not storedin the memory area 43 (NO at Act 34), the CPU 12 a transmits an errorresponse signal to the merchandise registration apparatus 11 which isarranged in the same check-out lane (Act 35).

Specifically, the CPU 12 a controls the communication unit 12 j so as totransmit the error response signal over the network 13, by using thecommunication address that is set in the merchandise registrationapparatus 11 as a transmission destination address, and by using thecommunication address that is set in the payment apparatus as the sourceaddress. Thus, the error response signal is transmitted to themerchandise registration apparatus 11 through the network 13.

In contrast, when the transfer destination ID is stored in the memoryarea 43 (YES at Act 34), the CPU 12 a acquires the transfer destinationID from the memory area 43 (Act 36). The CPU 12 a transfers the paymentinformation to the single payment apparatus 12 that is identified by thetransfer destination ID (Act 37).

Specifically, the CPU 12 a controls the communication unit 12 j so as totransmit the payment information that is received through the network 13by using the communication address that is set in a single paymentapparatus 12 identified by the transfer destination ID as a transmissiondestination address, and by using the communication address that is setin the payment apparatus as the source address. Thus, the paymentinformation is transmitted to a single payment apparatus 12 that isidentified by the transfer destination ID through the network 13. Inthis manner, the transfer destination ID is associated with thecommunication address that is set in the payment apparatus 12.Alternatively, the transfer destination ID may be the communicationaddress that is set in the payment apparatus 12.

Referring again to FIG. 9, the CPU 12 a that completes the processes ofAct 21 and Act 22 waits for the reception of the payment information(Act 23). When the notification about the reception of the paymentinformation is received through the process of Act 33 of the receptioninterrupt process, the CPU 12 a stores the payment information receivedfrom the communication unit 12 j in the payment buffer 41 (Act 24).Further, the CPU 12 a sets the busy flag F as “1” (Act 25).

The processing procedures of Act 24 and Act 25 are not limited to theprocedure indicated in FIG. 9. For example, the process of Act 25 mayfirst be performed, and the process of Act 24 may later be performed.

The CPU 12 a that completes the processes of Act 24 and Act 25 transmitsthe acknowledgment signal to the merchandise registration apparatus 11which is provided in the same check-out lane (Act 26).

Specifically, the CPU 12 a controls the communication unit 12 j so as totransmit the acknowledgment signal to the network 13, by using thecommunication address that is set in the merchandise registrationapparatus 11 as a transmission destination address, and by using thecommunication address that is set in the payment apparatus as the sourceaddress. Thus, the acknowledgment signal is transmitted to themerchandise registration apparatus 11 through the network 13.

Thereafter, the CPU 12 a displays the payment screen SC3 (see FIG. 11)in part area of the screen of the touch panel 12 g (Act 27).

An example of the payment screen SC3 is illustrated in FIG. 11. Thepayment screen SC3 includes display areas R6 and R7, and buttons B6, B7and B8. An operation guide for the shopper 22 who operates the paymentapparatus 12 is displayed in the display area R6. The total number andthe total amount of money, which are included in the payment informationstored in the payment buffer 41, are displayed in the display area R7.The button B6 allows the shopper 22 to designate cash as the paymentmethod. The button B7 allows the shopper 22 to designate electronicmoney as the payment method. The button B8 allows the shopper 22 to callthe salesperson 21. In the following description, the button B6 isreferred to as a cash button B6, the button B7 is referred to as anelectronic money button B7, and the button B8 is referred to as asalesperson call button B8.

The shopper 22 who checks the payment screen SC3 determines whether topay in cash or in electronic money. In the case of paying in cash, theshopper touches the cash button B6, and puts cash of the total amount ofmoney or more into the automatic change machine 12 e. Meanwhile, in thecase of paying in electronic money, the shopper touches the electronicmoney button B7 so as to cause the card reader and writer 12 i to readthe data in the electronic money card.

The CPU 12 a that displays the payment screen SC3 waits for the touch ofthe cash button B6 or the electronic money button B7 (Act 28). When thecash button B6 or the electronic money button B7 is touched, the CPU 12a executes the payment process according to the payment method selectedby the touched button (Act 29). In other words, when the cash button B6is touched, the CPU 12 a executes the payment process for the cashpayment. When the electronic money button B7 is touched, the CPU 12 aexecutes the payment process for the electronic money payment. Sincethese payment processes are well known in the existing self POSterminal, the description thereof will be omitted here.

Incidentally, the payment method is not limited to the cash or theelectronic money. For example, the payment apparatus 12 can also treatpayment methods such as credit cards, and vouchers such as giftcertificates.

When the payment process is completed, the CPU 12 a executes a receiptissuing process (Act 30). The CPU 12 a edits the print data of thereceipt based on the payment information that is stored in the paymentbuffer 41. The CPU 12 a operates the printer 12 h so as to issue areceipt. When the receipt is issued, the CPU 12 a returns to the processof Act 4. The CPU 12 a repeats the subsequent processes in a mannersimilar to those described above.

In this manner, in the check-out system 10 according to the presentembodiment, when the registration of merchandise to be purchased iscompleted by the salesperson 21 in the merchandise registrationapparatus 11, and the salesperson 21 touches the send button B4 on thesend screen SC2, the payment information including the sales data of thepurchase merchandise is transmitted to one payment apparatus 12 which isidentified with the transmission ID which is set in the memory area 33,among a plurality of payment apparatuses 12 arranged in the samecheck-out lane as the merchandise registration apparatus 11.

Here, for convenience of explanation, as illustrated in FIG. 1, thenumber of payment apparatuses which are arranged in the same check-outlane as the merchandise registration apparatus 11 is three, and thepayment apparatuses are respectively identified with reference numerals12-1, 12-2, and 12-3. The payment apparatus 12-1 is identified with thetransmission destination ID stored in the memory area 33 of themerchandise registration apparatus 11. In this case, the paymentinformation is first transmitted to the payment apparatus 12-1.

In a case where the payment apparatus 12-1 is not executing a paymentprocess, that is, in a case where the busy flag F is set as “0”, thepayment information is stored in the payment buffer 41 of the paymentapparatus 12-1. In addition, an acknowledgment signal is transmitted tothe merchandise registration apparatus 11 from the payment apparatus12-1. As a result, a guide screen SC4 indicating that the transmissiondestination of the payment information is the payment apparatus 12-1 isdisplayed on the touch panel 11 g of the merchandise registrationapparatus 11. Thus, the salesperson 21 guides the shopper 22 to performpayment in the payment apparatus 12-1.

The shopper 22 moves to the payment apparatus 12-1. In this case, sincethe payment screen SC3 is displayed on the touch panel 12 g of thepayment apparatus 12-1, the shopper 22 performs payment by using cash,electronic money, or the like.

In contrast, in a case where the payment apparatus 12-1 is executing apayment process when the payment information is transmitted, that is, ina case where the busy flag F is set as “1”, the process proceedsdepending on whether or not a transfer destination ID is stored in thememory area 43 of the payment apparatus 12-1. In this example, atransfer destination ID of payment apparatus 12-2 is stored as thetransfer destination ID. Also in this example, a transfer destination IDof payment apparatus 12-3 is stored as the transfer destination ID inthe memory area 43 of the payment apparatus 12-2. Also in this example,a transfer destination ID is not stored in the memory area 43 of thepayment apparatus 12-3.

Since the transfer destination ID of payment apparatus 12-2 is stored inthe memory area 43 of the payment apparatus 12-1, the paymentinformation transmitted from the merchandise registration apparatus 11to the payment apparatus 12-1 is transferred to the payment apparatus12-2 through the network 13.

In a case where a payment process is not being executed in the paymentapparatus 12-2 when the payment information is received, that is, in acase where the busy flag F is set as “0”, the payment informationreceived from payment apparatus 12-1 is stored in the payment buffer 41of the payment apparatus 12-2. In addition, an acknowledgment signal istransmitted to the merchandise registration apparatus 11 from thepayment apparatus 12-2 based on the source address transmitted with thepayment information. As a result, the guide screen SC4 indicating thatthe transmission destination of the payment information is the paymentapparatus 12-2 is displayed on the touch panel 11 g of the merchandiseregistration apparatus 11. Thus, the salesperson 21 guides the shopper22 to perform payment in the payment apparatus 12-2.

The shopper 22 moves to the payment apparatus 12-2. In this case, sincethe payment screen SC3 is displayed on the touch panel 12 g of thepayment apparatus 12-2, the shopper 22 performs payment by using cash,electronic money, or the like.

In contrast, in a case where the payment apparatus 12-2 is executing apayment process when the payment information is received, that is, in acase where the busy flag F is set as “1”, the process proceeds dependingon whether or not a transfer destination ID is stored in the memory area43 of the payment apparatus 12-2. Here, since a transfer destination IDof the payment apparatus 12-3 is set in the memory area 43, the paymentinformation that is transferred from the payment apparatus 12-1 istransferred to the payment apparatus 12-3 through network 13.

In a case where the payment apparatus 12-3 is not executing a paymentprocess when the payment information is received, that is, in a casewhere the busy flag F is set as “0”, the payment information is storedin the payment buffer of the payment apparatus 12-3. In addition, anacknowledgment signal is transmitted to the merchandise registrationapparatus 11 from the payment apparatus 12-3 based on the source addresstransmitted with the payment information. As a result, the guide screenSC4 indicating that the transmission destination of the paymentinformation is the payment apparatus 12-3 is displayed on the touchpanel 11 g of the merchandise registration apparatus 11. Thus, thesalesperson 21 guides the shopper 22 to perform payment in the paymentapparatus 12-3.

The shopper 22 moves to the payment apparatus 12-3. In this case, sincethe payment screen SC3 is displayed on the touch panel 12 g of thepayment apparatus 12-3, the shopper 22 performs payment by using cash,electronic money, or the like.

In contrast, in a case where the payment apparatus 12-3 is executing apayment process when the payment information is received, that is, in acase where the busy flag F is set as “1”, the process proceeds dependingon whether or not a transfer destination ID is stored in the memory area43 of the payment apparatus 12-3. Here, since the transfer destinationID is not stored in the memory area 43, an error response signal istransmitted from the payment apparatus 12-3 to the merchandiseregistration apparatus 11. As a result, in the merchandise registrationapparatus 11, the non-transmission process is executed. In thenon-transmission process, for example, the salesperson 21 processes thepayment of shopper 22, by operating the merchandise registrationapparatus 11.

Thus, according to the check-out system 10 according to the presentembodiment, the merchandise registration apparatus 11 transmits thepayment information to a single payment apparatus 12 that is set inadvance as a transmission destination, regardless of the state of eachpayment apparatus 12. Therefore, an information analysis function ofcollecting and analyzing state information (status) from the paymentapparatus 12 is not required.

When the payment process for the payment information is unavailable inthe payment apparatus 12, the payment information that is transmittedfrom the merchandise registration apparatus 11 to a single paymentapparatus 12 is transferred to another single payment apparatus 12 thatis set in advance as a transfer destination. Therefore, since thesalesperson 21 who operates the merchandise registration apparatus 11does not waste time and effort in searching an unoccupied paymentapparatus 12, it is possible to increase the work efficiency of thesalesperson 21. Further, the salesperson is prevented from incorrectlytransmitting the payment information to the payment apparatus 12.

In the present embodiment, the payment apparatus 12 to which themerchandise registration apparatus 11 transmits the payment informationis determined based on the transmission destination ID, which is storedin the memory area 33. Similarly, another payment apparatus 12 to whichthe payment apparatus 12 incapable of performing the payment processtransfers the payment information is determined based on the transferdestination ID, which is stored in the memory area 43. Therefore,according to whether or not the transmission destination ID and thetransfer destination ID, which are respectively stored in the memoryareas 33 and 43, are set, there is an advantage that whichever paymentapparatus 12 the merchandise registration apparatus 11 preferentiallytransmits the payment information to and which route between the paymentapparatuses 12 the payment information is transferred through can beeasily set and changed.

The disclosure is not limited to the embodiment.

For example, the embodiment describes a case where the availability ofthe payment process for the received payment information is determineddepending on whether or not the payment apparatus 12 is in the processof the payment process. An element for determining the availability ofthe payment process is not limited thereto. For example, even when anerror affecting the payment occurs, such as a case where there is noreceipt sheet in the printer 12 h, it is possible to determine that thepayment process for the received payment information is unavailable.

Further, in the embodiment, one check-out lane is set as one unit, andthe merchandise registration apparatus 11 provided in the lane transmitsthe payment information to a single payment apparatus 12 arranged in thesame lane. The case is described where the payment apparatus 12transfers the payment information to another payment apparatuses 12arranged in the same lane, when the payment process is unavailable inthe payment apparatus 12. However, for example, the payment apparatus 12which is provided in the adjacent check-out lane may also identified, asa transfer destination ID, which is stored in the memory area 43 of thepayment apparatus 12. Thus, even when all of the payment apparatuses 12arranged in the same lane are occupied, when the payment apparatus 12which is provided in the adjacent check-out lane is unoccupied, thepayment apparatus 12 can perform payment.

In addition, the embodiment describes a case where the transferdestination ID is not stored in the memory area 43 of the paymentapparatus 12 to which the payment information is last transferred. Inthis regard, the transmission destination ID, which is stored in thememory area 33 of the merchandise registration apparatus 11, is storedin the memory area 43 of the payment apparatus 12 to which the paymentinformation is last transferred. Thus, even when all of the paymentapparatuses 12 arranged in the same lane are temporarily occupied, thepayment information is transmitted among the payment apparatuses untilone shopper completes a payment. Then, the payment information isreceived by the newly unoccupied payment apparatus 12, and it ispossible to guide a shopper to the unoccupied payment apparatus 12.

In addition, the embodiment describes a case where the merchandiseregistration apparatus 11 displays the guide screen SC4 for thesalesperson 21. In this regard, for example, a display device for ashopper may be connected to the merchandise registration apparatus 11and the guide screen SC4 may be displayed on this display device so asto guide the shopper 22. Alternatively, it is also possible to directthe shopper 21 to the payment apparatus 12 that will perform the paymentprocessing through sound, by utilizing an informing unit, such as voicesynthesis unit or the like.

In addition, although the description of the embodiment is made with theact of purchasing merchandise as a transaction, the transaction may notinvolve acts of purchasing merchandise. For example, the check-outsystem may be applicable to transaction for which provided services arecharged, such as use fee for facilities, rental fee for items.

While certain embodiments have been described, these embodiments havebeen presented by way of example only, and are not intended to limit thescope of the inventions. Indeed, the novel embodiments described hereinmay be embodied in a variety of other forms; furthermore, variousomissions, substitutions and changes in the form of the embodimentsdescribed herein may be made without departing from the spirit of theinventions. The accompanying claims and their equivalents are intendedto cover such forms or modifications as would fall within the scope andspirit of the inventions.

What is claimed is:
 1. A check-out system, comprising: a registrationapparatus provided in a store; and a plurality of self-service paymentapparatuses provided in the store in communication with each other andwith the registration apparatus in the store, wherein the registrationapparatus includes: a first communication unit, and a registrationprocessor programmed to control the first communication unit to transmitpayment request information for requesting a payment for a transactionto one of the plurality of the self-service payment apparatus; and eachof the self-service payment apparatuses includes: a second communicationunit, a display, and a payment processor programmed to: control thesecond communication unit to receive the payment request information viaa network, determine whether or not the self-service payment apparatusitself is available to currently process the received payment requestinformation based on previously-received payment request informationthat has not been processed, control the display to provide anotification to a customer that the self-service payment apparatusitself is available to currently process payment for the transaction ofthe customer and process a payment in accordance with the receivedpayment request information, when determining that the self-servicepayment apparatus itself is available to currently process the receivedpayment request information, and control the second communication unitto transfer the received payment request information to anotherself-service payment apparatus of the plurality of self-service paymentapparatuses, when determining that the self-service payment apparatusitself is unavailable to currently process the received payment requestinformation.
 2. The check-out system according to claim 1, wherein thepayment request information includes payment information required forprocessing the payment.
 3. The check-out system according to claim 1,wherein the payment processor is further programmed to refer to a busyflag indicating whether or not there is previously-received paymentrequest information that has not been processed.
 4. The check-out systemaccording to claim 1, wherein the registration processor is furtherprogrammed to control the first communication unit to transmit thepayment request information to a predetermined one self-service paymentapparatus of the plurality of self-service payment apparatuses.
 5. Thecheck-out system according to claim 4, wherein the registrationapparatus further includes a memory that stores, in advance, atransmission destination address corresponding to the predetermined oneself-service payment apparatus.
 6. The check-out system according toclaim 1, wherein the payment processor controls the second communicationunit to transfer the received payment request information to apredetermined another self-service payment apparatus of the plurality ofself-service payment apparatuses, when determining that the self-servicepayment apparatus itself is unavailable to currently process thereceived payment request information.
 7. The check-out system accordingto claim 6, wherein the self-service payment apparatus further includesa memory that stores, in advance, a transmission destination addresscorresponding to the predetermined another self-service paymentapparatus.
 8. A self-service payment apparatus for use in a check-outsystem including a plurality of the self-service payment apparatuses ina store in communication with each other and with a registrationapparatus in the store, the self-service payment apparatus comprising: acommunication unit configured to receive payment request information forrequesting a payment for a transaction via a network; a display; and aprocessor programmed to: determine whether or not the self-servicepayment apparatus itself is available to currently process the receivedpayment information based on previously-received payment informationthat has not been processed, control the display to provide anotification to a customer that the self-service payment apparatusitself is available to currently process payment for the transaction ofthe customer and process a payment in accordance with the receivedpayment request information, when the self-service payment apparatusitself is available to currently process the received payment requestinformation, and control the communication unit to transfer the receivedpayment request information to another self-service payment apparatus ofthe plurality of self-service payment apparatuses, when determining thatthe self-service payment apparatus itself is unavailable to currentlyprocess the received payment request information.
 9. The self-servicepayment apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the payment requestinformation includes payment information required for processing thepayment.
 10. The self-service payment apparatus according to claim 9,further comprising: a memory, wherein the processor is furtherprogrammed to: control the memory to store the received payment requestinformation when determining that the self-service payment apparatusitself is available to process payment, and process the payment based onthe payment request information stored in the memory.
 11. Theself-service payment apparatus according to claim 9, wherein theprocessor is further programmed to refer to a busy flag set in thememory, the busy flag indicating whether or not there ispreviously-received payment request information that has not beenprocessed.
 12. The self-service payment apparatus according to claim 8,wherein the processor controls the communication unit to transfer thereceived payment request information to a predetermined anotherself-service payment apparatus of the plurality of self-service paymentapparatuses, when determining that the self-service payment apparatusitself is unavailable to currently process the received payment requestinformation.
 13. The self-service payment apparatus according to claim12, further comprising: a memory that stores, in advance, a transmissiondestination address corresponding to the predetermined anotherself-service payment apparatus.
 14. A non-transitory computer readablemedium containing instructions for a self-service payment apparatus in acheck-out system including a plurality of the self-service paymentapparatuses in communication with each other and with a registrationapparatus, the instructions causing the self-service payment apparatusto perform the steps of: receiving payment request information forrequesting a payment for a transaction via a network; determiningwhether or not the self-service payment apparatus is available tocurrently process the received payment information based onpreviously-received payment request information that has not beenprocessed, providing a notification to a customer that the self-servicepayment apparatus itself is available to currently process payment for atransaction of the customer and processing the payment in accordancewith the payment information, when determining that the self-servicepayment apparatus itself is available to currently process the receivedpayment request information; and transmitting the received paymentrequest information to another self-service payment apparatus of theplurality of self-service payment apparatuses, when determining that theself-service payment apparatus itself is unavailable to currentlyprocess the received payment request information.
 15. The non-transitorycomputer readable medium according to claim 14, wherein the paymentrequest information includes payment information required for processingthe payment.
 16. The non-transitory computer readable medium accordingto claim 15, the instructions further causing the self-service paymentapparatus to perform the step of: storing, in a memory, the receivedpayment request information when determining that the self-servicepayment apparatus itself is available to process payment, wherein thepayment is processed based on the payment request information stored inthe memory.
 17. The non-transitory computer readable medium according toclaim 14, the instructions further causing the self-service paymentapparatus to perform the step of: setting a busy flag set in a memory toindicate whether or not there is previously-received payment requestinformation that has not been processed.
 18. The non-transitory computerreadable medium according to claim 17, the instructions further causingthe self-service payment apparatus to perform the step of: referring tothe busy flag set in the memory to determine whether the self-servicepayment apparatus can currently process payment.
 19. The non-transitorycomputer readable medium according to claim 14, wherein the receivedpayment request information is transferred to a predetermined anotherself-service payment apparatus of the plurality of self-service paymentapparatuses, when determining that the self-service payment apparatusitself is unavailable to currently process the received payment requestinformation.
 20. The non-transitory computer readable medium accordingto claim 19, wherein a transmission destination address corresponding tothe predetermined another self-service payment apparatus is stored inadvance.